Essential Prerequisites

Before submitting your application, you must secure Ethical Clearance from a recognized Institutional Scientific and Ethics Review Committee (ISERC) relevant to your field of study.

Required Documentation Checklist

Applicants must upload clear digital copies of the following items via the integrated system portal:

• Research Proposal: Comprehensive abstract, methodology, project duration, and localized geographic scope.
• Ethical Clearance Certificate: Issued by an accredited review board.
• Affiliation Letter: A formal endorsement letter from a recognized host institution or university partner in Kenya.
• Identity Credentials: Bio-data page of a valid passport (minimum six months validity) and a recent passport-sized photograph.
• Academic Credentials: Copies of relevant degrees or institutional student status enrollment forms.
• Statutory Fee: Paid online through the system portal based on academic level (Master's, PhD, or Postdoctoral track).

Direct Application and Entry Sequence

Online NACOSTI Registration

• Log in to the official NACOSTI eCitizen portal (nacosti.ecitizen.go.ke) or the Research Information Management System (RIMS). Complete the application form, upload your proposal and ethical certificates, and settle the processing fees.

License Issuance

• Upon review and approval by the commission, your digital Research License will be generated and sent directly to your portal dashboard. Print this document for physical presentation.

Secure Class I Research Entry Permit

• With your approved NACOSTI license, apply online for a Class I Entry Permit (Research Pass) through the Department of Immigration Services portal. This legal immigration pass must be approved prior to traveling to Kenya.

Consular Assistance Notice (Manila Office)

Because the Research License and Class I Immigration Permit are automated, centralized processes managed directly by agencies in Nairobi, the Consulate of Kenya in Manila does not possess the statutory authority to issue or directly approve research permits.

However, the Consulate can provide specialized advisory and administrative support to applicants based in the Philippines:

• Document Attestation: The Consulate can authenticate and stamp academic credentials, university letters, or background clearances originating from the Philippines (after pre-authentication by the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs) to ensure legal validity for Kenyan authorities.
• Institutional Liaison: For complex, large-scale, or state-sponsored collaborative research efforts, the Consulate can formally log the project framework and provide an introductory diplomatic note to assist in streamlining verification with Nairobi.
• Pre-Departure Advisory: Providing verified guidance regarding localized entry protocols, mandatory health requirement verifications (such as Yellow Fever tracking), and general travel advisories.